Last weekend more than 30 parking spaces were lost as traffic cones were left in place because of footpath renovations in Royal Albert Drive.

Footpath works on Marine Drive under way.'112838c. Pic Kevin Allen.'12/07/11.

There is single file traffic only – and the work will carry on for another two weeks.

No work was being carried out either on the Saturday or the Sunday – but the restrictions were still kept in place.

Traffic lights have been brought in to keep cars to a single file on a stretch of the road.

Highways bosses have promised to halt the project for the school holidays. Until then the temporary traffic light system will control road use while one lane is closed.

The nearby Watermark Cafe has lost customers because of the parking restrictions.

A spokesperson for the business also said that they had to keep doors and windows closed to minimise noise from the work.

The spokesperson added: “We have been really affected by this and the workmen have apologised.

“We have got bollards right outside our cafe and on Friday, when they finished for the weekend, they didn’t move them. I know the work has to go on but I don’t know why they didn’t do it in the winter. It’s definitely costing us money.”

David Creek, the maintenance manager with North Yorkshire County Council’s Highways Department, said about 20 sections of the footpath had to be replaced and the budget for the scheme is around £100,000.

He added that the progress of the project was dependent on both weather and tidal conditions. “Up to now, while the tides are right, the work has been carried out before the start of the school holidays. We hope to be halfway through the work before the start of the school holidays and it will probably take another two or three weeks in September,” he said.

“We are conscious of the sensitivity of the project site and that is partly why it will stop during the school holidays. We apologise for any inconvenience caused but it is essential work – it is work that needs to be done.”